Created and built by Henry Lim, with
the exception of the wire strings, the LEGO Harpsichord is entirely
constructed out of LEGO parts--the keyboard, jacks, jack rack, jack
rail, plectra, soundboard, bridge, hitch pins, tuning pins, wrestplank,
nut, case, legs, lid, lid stick, and music stand are all built out
of interlocking LEGO plastic bricks and related pieces.

With a 61
note range, the instruments size is 6 x 3 ft. weighing approximately
150 lbs, and built with an estimated 100,000 LEGO pieces!

The strings
exert approximately 325 lbs. of tension. The important considerations
during design were strength, efficiency, and durability.

Anticipating
the tension of the strings, the instrument had to be built strong,
yet be able to incorporate the functions and mechanisms on a lifesize
scale. With many moving parts, it also had to withstand the repeated
demands of a keyboard instrument. Several prototypes of the various
sections were made. After finalizing designs, Henry amassed the
necessary LEGO parts. The project took two years of theorizing,
designing, collecting parts, building, testing, and rebuilding.

For more information about the LEGO Harpsichord and Henry Lim's other
LEGO sculptures, visit his website at henrylim.org